Page 29 of Stuck with my Mechanic Daddies

It was Owen.

And, if I was being honest, Ethan.

I could feel his gaze from across the room, heavy and intense. When I glanced his way, he didn’t bother looking away. Just studied me like I was some mystery he was trying to solve.

My stomach did something strange.

I quickly turned back to the group, where Mason had somehow roped Lila into a ridiculous debate about bowling technique, complete with exaggerated arm movements. Owen, meanwhile, had disappeared for a moment, only to return with another cider for me.

He set it in front of me, his voice low. “Figured you might be ready for a refill.”

I blinked. “I… Yeah. Thanks.”

He shrugged like it was no big deal, but something about the way he did it, the way he kept making sure I was comfortable, had warmth curling in my chest.

And then Mason ruined it.

“You see that, ladies? Owen’s out here setting the bar high. No wonder the rest of us struggle.”

Owen shot him a glare, but Mason just laughed, reaching for his own drink.

I shook my head, taking a sip of my cider. This whole night was starting to feel like something out of a movie—small-town charm, too many good-looking men, and me, the outsider, getting swept up in it all.

And the worst part?

I wasn’t sure I wanted it to end.

CHAPTER EIGHT

Aurora

A few drinks later,I was relaxed.

I hadn't planned on staying this long, but somehow, between the laughter, the teasing, and Owen making sure my drink was never empty, I lost track of time.

The girls—Lila, Samantha, and Morgan—had a way of making me feel like I belonged, and it was easier than I expected to just lean into it.

Samantha was wickedly funny, quick with sarcasm, and sharp observations. Morgan had a dry humor I appreciated, and Lila? Lila was the kind of person who made you feel like you’d been friends forever, even if you’d just met.

We were huddled at the table, half watching the game and half caught up in our own conversation, when Samantha nudged Lila with her elbow.

“Hey, speaking of high standards,” she said, eyes glinting with mischief, “how are things with your men?”

Lila’s mouth quirked up. “They’re good.”

My brows furrowed. “Your men?”

Lila glanced at me, then at Samantha, as if debating something. Finally, she shrugged. “Yeah. Colt, Jaxon, and Ryan.”

I blinked. “As inthreemen?”

Morgan snorted. “Oh, here we go.”

Lila didn’t seem offended. If anything, she looked amused. “Yep. Three.”

For a second, I thought I had misheard. Maybe she meant something else. But no. She was completely serious.

I tried to play it cool, taking a sip of my drink. “And you'realltogether?”

---